1,000 walkers step up to 48-mile challenge

Monday 24 June 2019

Over 1,000 walkers stepped up to the 48-mile challenge of this year’s Island Walk - including participants up from as far afield as the United States and Australia who came to Jersey to raise money for charity.

Among the group of walkers aged between eight and 80 taking part in Saturday's challenge were also participants from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the UK.

Despite the sun beating down, the first individual to cross the line was Ross Fearnly – completing the course in just 8 hours and 19 minutes. In the relay division, the first corporate team to finish were RBSI Finance with a time of 7 hours and 37 minutes. 

Seasoned walk veterans also crossed the finish line, with Rita Hill completing her 22^nd Island Walk, as well as Claire Pedley who finished her 20^th one in a row this year. 

The main Island Walk participants set off from Elizabeth Terminal at 03:00 alongside the Lieutenant Governor’s walkers and those completing the first 10.9mile leg of the Relay Walk

Organiser of the event, Jake Crichton, commented: “We are delighted so many people got involved this year. We had almost 50 Relay Teams take part and over 200 parents and children involved in the Lieutenant Governor’s walk. It’s the 29th year people have stepped out for charity and every year the event gets better and better! It really has become a significant date in Jersey’s calendar.”

Pictured: Everyone who completed the challenge received a commemorative medal. (Island Walk 2019)

Cengiz Somay, Managing Director of TMF Group – who sponsor the walk – added: “It was great to see people of all ages cross the line - some had amazing stories to tell about why they had embarked on the challenge. 

“There were several parents walking with their children who were making their debut appearance; people walking in memory of loved ones or for a special cause; and many who just wanted a challenge and to appreciate Jersey and its fabulous coastline time and time again.”